Instant Pot Chicken Adobo: The Classic Filipino Dish Made Easy

After a long day at work, the last thing most of us want is to spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. That’s where this Instant Pot Chicken Adobo recipe comes to the rescue! This Filipino classic transforms humble ingredients into an incredibly flavorful meal in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. The tantalizing aroma of garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar will fill your kitchen, making everyone wonder what delicious dish you’re preparing.

What makes this Instant Pot Filipino chicken adobo truly special is how the pressure cooking method infuses the chicken with deep, complex flavors while keeping it incredibly tender. The sauce—tangy, savory, and slightly sweet—creates the perfect balance that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re new to Filipino cuisine or a seasoned fan looking for an easier cooking method, this easy Instant Pot chicken adobo recipe will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

• ✅ Traditional chicken adobo using Instant Pot reduces cooking time by 70% without sacrificing flavor
• ✅ Perfect quick Instant Pot chicken adobo meal for busy weeknights—ready in under 30 minutes
• ✅ The simple Instant Pot chicken adobo cooking method requires minimal prep and cleanup
• ✅ Best Instant Pot chicken adobo variations allow you to customize based on your flavor preferences
• ✅ Instant Pot chicken adobo with soy sauce creates the perfect balance of salty, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors
• ✅ Ideal Instant Pot chicken adobo for weeknight dinner that tastes even better as leftovers

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Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

To make this delicious Instant Pot chicken adobo with vinegar and garlic, you’ll need:

• 1 pound (453.59 g) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup (127.5 ml) white vinegar
• 1/4 cup (58 ml) soy sauce (use tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (coconut oil works well too)
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 6-8 cloves)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or 1 teaspoon Splenda for a lower-carb version)
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns, roughly crushed
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 3 bay leaves, crushed

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Adobo – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This ensures better browning.
2. If desired, trim excess skin and fat from the chicken thighs.
3. Season lightly with a pinch of salt (the soy sauce will add plenty of saltiness).

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

1. Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add the vegetable oil.
2. Once hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pot.
3. Brown for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
4. Flip and brown for another 2 minutes on the other side.
5. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pot.

Step 3: Create the Instant Pot Chicken Adobo Sauce

1. Remove the chicken temporarily and set aside.
2. Add the minced garlic to the Instant Pot and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the white vinegar and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, black peppercorns, red pepper flakes (if using), and crushed bay leaves.
5. Stir to combine all ingredients and dissolve the sugar.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Adobo

1. Return the chicken to the pot, placing it skin-side up in the sauce.
2. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.”
3. Cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” (High) for 10 minutes.
4. When the cooking cycle completes, allow for a 5-minute natural pressure release.
5. Carefully release the remaining pressure manually.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Remove the chicken pieces to a serving plate.
2. Switch the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode.
3. Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes until it reduces and thickens slightly.
4. Pour the sauce over the chicken or serve on the side.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

• For an authentic Filipino flavor, use cane vinegar instead of white vinegar if you can find it.
• Don’t skip the browning step! This creates depth of flavor that makes the Instant Pot chicken adobo truly special.
• If you prefer a less tangy flavor, reduce the vinegar to 1/3 cup or add an extra teaspoon of brown sugar.
• For a richer Instant Pot chicken adobo with soy sauce, add a tablespoon of oyster sauce to the mixture.
• Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide the most flavor, but boneless thighs work too—just reduce cooking time to 8 minutes.
• Want to make how to make chicken adobo in Instant Pot even easier? Prepare the sauce ingredients the night before and store in the refrigerator.

Best Ways to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

This Instant Pot chicken adobo for weeknight dinner pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, try it with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables.

For a complete Filipino feast, serve your Instant Pot Filipino chicken adobo with:

• Steamed bok choy or sautéed green beans
• Fresh sliced tomatoes and cucumbers
• A side of pickled papaya (atchara)
• Garlic fried rice instead of plain rice for extra flavor

For leftovers, shred the chicken and use it in tacos, sandwiches, or rice bowls for a fusion twist on this classic dish!

Nutritional Information for Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 325 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 960mg

For a lighter version of this easy Instant Pot chicken adobo recipe, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs to reduce the fat content by approximately 8 grams per serving.

Storage & Leftovers

This Instant Pot chicken adobo with vinegar and garlic actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop! Here’s how to properly store it:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For best results, thaw overnight if frozen, then reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Pro tip: Make a double batch of this quick Instant Pot chicken adobo meal specifically for meal prep. The flavors intensify beautifully over time!

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

What are the main ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Adobo?

The essential ingredients are chicken (typically thighs), vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, black pepper, and bay leaves. These create the distinctive tangy-savory flavor profile that defines Filipino adobo.

How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Chicken Adobo?

From start to finish, this Instant Pot chicken adobo takes about 30 minutes, including prep time, sautéing, pressure building, cooking (10 minutes), and natural release (5 minutes). This is significantly faster than the traditional stovetop method, which can take up to 1.5 hours.

Can I use other types of meat for Instant Pot Adobo?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are traditional, you can also use chicken drumsticks, pork belly, pork shoulder, or even beef chunks. Just adjust cooking times accordingly (pork usually needs 15 minutes, beef 20-25 minutes).

What can I serve with Instant Pot Chicken Adobo?

Traditional accompaniments include steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or pickled papaya. For a lower-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Chicken Adobo recipe transforms a Filipino classic into an accessible weeknight meal without sacrificing any of the authentic flavors. The perfect blend of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet notes creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. What makes the simple Instant Pot chicken adobo cooking method so fantastic is how it infuses the meat with flavor while keeping it juicy and tender.

Whether you’re cooking for family on a busy evening or impressing friends at a dinner party, this best Instant Pot chicken adobo recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of modern convenience and traditional flavors proves that delicious, authentic cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

Have you tried making Instant Pot Filipino chicken adobo before? Share your experience or favorite variations in the comments below! And if you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with friends and family who appreciate delicious, easy meals.